I am convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that masturbation is immoral and harmful to the human person. It dislocates an aspect of the sexual act from its rightful place as part of the whole marital act. It is not ok for a single person, not ok for a married person, and not ok just because “everyone” does it.

Having said that, when it comes to dealing with the topic, especially with young people, we must do so with charity and a view to explaining God’s love and its proper mode(s) of expression. We must not be “puritanical” in this, just like we should… well, never be puritanical.

It’s not the worst thing someone can do. Murder is worse and we shouldn’t pretend like masturbation is the greatest sin of all time (currently, according to many, that would be homosexuality).

I may respond in more detail later, but for now go over and give it a read. What are your thoughts on the topic?

(By the way, I am grateful that Rachel did this, so the parts that make my angry, don’t make me angry at her for collating the responses).

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4 thoughts on “Masturbation: is it moral and healthy”

I liked it because I still felt like all of them were moving the conversation in the right direction. They’re all trying to get to a better positive understanding of sex so it isn’t just about a big list of rules of “purity.” Regardless of the conclusion I think that is the important starting point.

57 years old, seven kids, five grand kids, and I still don’t know what I think… (On this subject at least 😉 Since scripture does not address the issue, I am beginning to think that the question itself is pointing us in the wrong direction.